10 Ways to Find Your Sacred Refuge This Winter

THE HOLISTIC CONVERSATION with Tisha Morris

“Isn’t it true that a pleasant house makes winter more poetic, and doesn’t winter add to the poetry of a house?” –Baudelaire

As we turn back our clocks and the days get shorter, it is a reminder that winter is peeking at us around the corner. We start to take inventory of our sweaters, our vegetable bullions and house shoes. Our home simply becomes more important. Or as Gaston Bachelard says, “a reminder of winter increases the house’s value as a place to live in.”

Our home becomes a place to take refuge from the cold. This winter make it a sacred refuge. Here is a, by no means exhaustive, list of some ways to do just that.

–Stack blankets for functional décor. Cozy up your living room with some luxuriant blankets. These could be some you already have, quilts from your grandmother, or a splurge purchase for yourself.

–Light candles. In Winter, it is essential to bring in the Fire Element into your home. And even if it doesn’t put out heat, to our mind it does.

–Indulge in some organic, fair trade, hot chocolate. Enough said.

–Host a small dinner party. Nothing warms up a home than good food and good friends.

–Use your crock pot. Just about every home has acquired a crock pot at some point. Now is the time to use it. Enjoy some slow cooking that will fill your home with delicious aroma.

–Take baths. There’s no better way to heat the body than soaking in hot water. Add music and candles.

–Make photo albums. Winter is a time that we are home more and have time to do projects around the house. It is a great time to reflect back on our life. See what has worked and what hasn’t worked in your life. Throw out what hasn’t worked. Enjoy what has.

–Listen to music. There’s no better way to warm up a home than playing your favorite tunes.

–Wear pajamas. If you don’t have a warm, snuggly pair of pajamas, indulge yourself. Perfect for movie night or lazy weekends.

–Make tea. There are teas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, before bedtime, and just about any other time of the day. Have a cup of tea just to have a cup of tea. Practice mindfulness with each sip.